Abstract

Using a space-dependent rate-equation analysis and considering the gain medium within the confocal region, we developed a method to calculate the output power in longitudinally pumped cw lasers as a function of a single parameter: the active medium length. It is possible to find an optimum laser design for maximum output power for a specified laser medium and pump wavelength. Some well-known longitudinally pumped laser systems, Ti:Al2O3, KCl:Tl0(1), and Cr:LiSAF, are discussed. In particular, we also analyzed the Nd:YLF laser under two pumping conditions: pumped by a diode laser at λP = 797 nm and pumped by an argon-ion laser at λP = 514.5 nm. For the diode-pumped configuration, efficiencies as high as 50% can be expected.

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